]]>http://blackdoctor.org/461742/african-american-sudden-cardiac-arrest/feed/0man chest painsandria3man chest pain4 Steps To Clean Your Kidneyshttp://blackdoctor.org/460288/4-steps-to-clean-your-kidneys/
http://blackdoctor.org/460288/4-steps-to-clean-your-kidneys/#commentsTue, 16 Jun 2015 22:50:50 +0000http://blackdoctor.org/?p=460288]]>Just like you clean your skin outwardly with soap and water, there are certain steps you can take to cleanse your liver & kidneys — the vital organs that help process and filter out food, medications, alcohol and other substances that enter your body. What you take into your body can pollute your liver and kidneys, make it hard for them to function properly. This can lead to innumerable kinds of complications, including renal failure, kidney stones, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Here’s 4 steps to keep your liver and kidneys clean:

Step 1
Drink half a cup of water with 4 to 6 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar daily before eating your meals. The acidity of apple cider vinegar helps detoxify the liver while helping it break down fats. Apple cider vinegar also helps prevent kidney stones from forming.

Step 2
Drink one to two cups of pure cranberry juice not from concentrate every day. Tannin is the active ingredient in cranberries and works by helping your liver remove cholesterol out of your blood while flushing out bacteria and toxins from your kidneys.

A: There are many reasons the feet may swell. It is very important that you figure out the root cause behind your swollen feet. There are some serious health implications as to why the foot may be swollen and these include:

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Foot or ankle injury. An injury to the foot or ankle can lead to swelling. The most common cause is a sprained ankle. This happens when an injury causes the ligaments that hold the ankle in place to be stretched beyond their normal range. To reduce the swelling from a foot or ankle injury, rest to avoid walking on the injured ankle or foot, use ice packs, wrap the foot or ankle with a bandage and elevate the foot on a stool or pillow. If swelling and pain is severe or doesn’t improve with home treatment, see your doctor.

Lymphedema. This is a collection of lymphatic fluid in the tissues that can develop because of the absence of or problems with the lymph vessels or after the removal of lymph nodes. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid that normally travels along an extensive network of vessels and capillaries. It is filtered through the lymph nodes, which trap and destroy unwanted substances, such as bacteria. Untreated, lymph buildup can impair wound healing and lead to infection and deformity. Lymphedema is common following radiation therapy or removal of the lymph nodes in patients with cancer. If you have undergone cancer treatment and experience swelling, see your doctor right away.

As you’re reading this right now, there are more than 100,000 people in the U.S. who are waiting to receive an organ transplant, which can be life-saving. About 35,000 of those people are African American. Unfortunately, most of the individuals on that list never receive the transplant they need. While many of us are curious about becoming an organ donor, we end up changing our minds for various reasons – probably due to all the inaccurate information that’s out there. Here, we debunked some of the biggest myths about organ donation to help you determine whether becoming an organ, tissue and eye donor is right for you.

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Myth #1: “I’m too young or old to donate.”

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, there’s no cutoff age for organ donation. In fact, age has nothing to do with the organ-donation process and moreso to do with your overall health.

Myth #2: “I have a previous health condition so I can’t donate.”

Fact: Believe it or not, there is only one medical condition that disqualifies a person from becoming an organ, tissue and eye donor in the U.S. What is it? HIV/AIDS. Those with other illnesses are extensively screened before they are given the green light to donate.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/457844/organ-donation-myths/feed/0donorsandria3older father and daughter5 Reasons To Become An Organ Donorhttp://blackdoctor.org/457641/5-reasons-to-become-an-organ-donor/
http://blackdoctor.org/457641/5-reasons-to-become-an-organ-donor/#commentsThu, 09 Apr 2015 18:06:32 +0000http://blackdoctor.org/?p=457641]]>

More than 123,000 Americans are currently on the waiting list for an organ transplant, according to the American Transplant Foundation. Approximately 35 percent of those 123,000 people are African American. Although organs are not matched according to race, people who are waiting for a transplant have a higher chance of finding a match with someone of the same ethnicity since they are more likely to have compatible blood types and tissue markers.

Minorities, including African Americans, are more likely than whites to have certain chronic conditions that affect the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver, says the ATF. This makes the need for African-American donors especially high.

When you sign up to become an organ, eye, and/or tissue donor, you could possibly be saving someone’s life! In honor of National Donate Life Month, here are five reasons to register today.

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1. People are waiting…at this very moment for a transplant.

A new name is added to the national transplant waiting list every 12 minutes. What’s even more heartbreaking is the fact that more than 6,500 people die every year before ever receiving a transplant.

2. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

It’s difficult to imagine, but what if you or a loved one needed a transplant? Wouldn’t you want someone to find it in their heart to donate whatever it was that you or your family member needed? When you sign up to become a donor, you’re giving the gift of life. In many cases, your donation can help someone regain mobility and live a happier, fuller life.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/457641/5-reasons-to-become-an-organ-donor/feed/0doctor holding small heartsandria3woman hugging large heartQ&A: What Are The Signs Of Kidney Failure?http://blackdoctor.org/457125/symptoms-of-kidney-failure/
http://blackdoctor.org/457125/symptoms-of-kidney-failure/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 21:20:18 +0000http://blackdoctor.org/?p=457125]]>

Q: What are the most common signs/symptoms of kidney failure? – S. B.

A: Kidneys help filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance and red blood cell production in the body.

Symptoms of kidney failure are due to the build-up of waste products in the body that may cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy and confusion.

Inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream may lead to abnormal heart rhythms, and sudden death. Initially kidney failure may cause no symptoms.

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Early signs of kidney failure can be found in your nails:Linear Depressions
One type of nail change is called Beau’s lines — transverse ridges that go across the nail, affecting all of your nails. Beau’s lines are a result of an acute kidney disease that interferes with the growth of the nail.

Ridged Nails
Kidney disease causes koilonychia — ridged nails that are somewhat spoon-shaped and concave. This change is associated with iron-deficiency anemia, which commonly occurs in people with kidney disease.

White Streaks and Spots
White streaks and spots on your fingernails occur with a condition called leukonychia. This condition is associated with chronic renal disease.

Half-and-Half Nails
Half-and-half nails — also known as Lindsay’s nails — also occur with kidney disease. The bottom portion of the nail is white, while the top of your nail is brown. Swelling of the nail bed causes the bottom of the nail to become white.

Slow Blood Flow To Kidneys

Diseases and conditions that may slow blood flow to the kidneys and lead to kidney failure include:

Diabetes

Blood or fluid loss

Hypertension/Blood pressure medications

Heart attack

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http://blackdoctor.org/457125/symptoms-of-kidney-failure/feed/0man blood transfusionsandria3man blood transfusionDiabetes: Head To Toe Effects You Might Also Have To Live Withhttp://blackdoctor.org/453529/illnesses-linked-with-diabetes/
http://blackdoctor.org/453529/illnesses-linked-with-diabetes/#commentsMon, 26 Jan 2015 23:33:56 +0000http://blackdoctor.org/?p=453529]]>

As if living with diabetes wasn’t already hard enough, other long-term, life-threatening complications that develop naturally can make the disease that much more difficult. Here are five common complications that may come along with diabetes.

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1. Alzheimer’s disease

Type 2 diabetes is believed to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease – and the less controlled that your blood sugar is, the greater your risk.

2. Hearing loss

There are 35 million Americans living with some form of hearing loss, and according to the American Diabetes Association, many of these people have diabetes or prediabetes. Additionally, a recent study found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss compared to those who aren’t diabetic. While it certainly seems that hearing problems are more common among those with diabetes, there’s still more research that needs to be done regarding the link between diabetes and hearing loss.

1. Hemodialysis: This is the most common form of dialysis. You are required to go to a dialysis center several days a week for 3-4 hours per visit. Hemodialysis is a serious responsibility, but you don’t have to shoulder it alone. You’ll work closely with your health care team, including a kidney specialist and other professionals with experience managing hemodialysis.

2. Home hemodialysis: Patients who decide to do home hemodialysis are equipped with a dialyzer and are trained how to use it. The hardest part of the training for patients is learning how to do needle sticks. Many home hemodialysis patients dialyze every night. This takes longer, but is often gentler on the patient’s body because the filtration rate is slower. The lab values of many of these patients often completely normalize.

Curtis Newbold literally got a second chance at life when his friend, doctor and Omega Psi Phi fraternity brother Dr. Delon Brennen, donated a kidney. Dr. Brennen, who is currently the chief medical officer at the Ministry of Health in The Bahamas, stepped up to the plate when Curtis was diagnosed with renal kidney failure in 2008 and was in need of a transplant.

The decision to give a kidney was an easy one for Dr. Brennen, who believes if roles were changed Curtis would have done the same. After all, they were more than just fraternity brothers and Dr Brennen knew he had exactly what Curtis needed.

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Prior to being diagnosed with kidney failure in 2008, Curtis had been hospitalized and was on dialysis. Sometime later, Curtis traveled to the Cleveland Clinic where doctors concluded he would need a donor or spend the rest of his life on dialysis. Three days out of every week, for four hours Curtis underwent dialysis treatment. He was determined not to let the condition beat him.

“My mindset was I was not going to allow this to defeat me. The support I had from family and friends was what helped greatly along the way. At the end of the day they would not allow me to be around moping and pitiful,” Curtis told Tribune Health.

While in Cleveland, Curtis’ name was submitted in the databank for persons in need of an organ transplant.

If Dr. Brennen hadn’t step forward, Curtis could have easily been on a waiting list for almost five years, according to Dr Charles Modlin, kidney transplant specialist at the Cleveland Clinic where Curtis’ surgery took place.

Dr. Brennen was tested thoroughly at the Cleveland Clinic to ensure that the removal of his kidney would not result in the deterioration of his health.

“They don’t only test you to see if you are compatible but they need to make sure that if they take out one of your kidneys you are not going to crop out and die,” he said. The test results came back normal and both Dr. Brennen and his friend Curtis were ready to get through the process.

“There wasn’t really a whole lot of preparation for me given the fact that he was sick for as long as he was. We had the type of friendship where we would do anything for each other,” remarked Dr. Brennen.

“You have to sacrifice things in life for your family, for your friends and this was no different. This was one of those instances where, if I have it and I can give it to someone else to make their lives better I would. That does not necessarily mean my life is going to be worse if I give it to someone else. That was one of those times where I knew for sure that if it were me in that position he would have put himself in that position. It was a very easy decision to make truthfully, and that is not to belittle other people’s decision because I know a lot of people have decisions that they need to make in order to consider donating,” he said.

“The pure consideration of what [donating an organ] is going to do for that person is a big motivator because to see that person’s life change from what it had become to essentially getting back to normal. What you do have to prepare yourself for as well, is that there is no guarantee that anyone’s organ is going to take and there will not be any complications or issues. So what you have to be prepared for is that you may give up your organ and it may get rejected. That organ is not of any use to the person and that would be a hard pill to swallow because that person did not get any better and you still went through all the headache of the process,” he said.

However, none of that stopped Dr Brennen from trying because at the end of it all Curtis got the kidney he was in need of and is now his doing well.

“I am perfect today. Every three months I do a follow up in Florida and every six months in Cleveland. Life is great right now. It is a blessing knowing that I am pretty much doing the same things I have been doing before all of this happened. In all of this I want to say God is awesome and I want to thank my brother for giving me life,” he said.

While poor dental hygiene accounts for most cases of halitosis, bad breath can sometimes be a signal for an underlying medical condition. And even when you take “bad breath” out of the equation, breath can still demonstrate health issues: a slew of recent studies have used simple breath tests to screen for medical conditions.

But a fruity breath odor, or an odor similar to acetone (commonly used in nail polish remover) can also signify a serious complication in diabetic patients called ketoacidosis. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin, it instead uses fatty acids for energy, which produces acidic ketones, byproducts of fat metabolism. These acids, which include acetone, hydroxybutyrate, and acetoacetate, can accumulate in the blood and lead to a diabetic coma and death.

They found that among the non-smokers, lung cancer was accurately identified in 128 subjects and misdiagnosed in only five. Among smokers, the electronic nose correctly identified 114 people as having lung cancer, misdiagnosing five. The findings were presented on September 9 in the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Annual Congress in Barcelona.

The kidneys are responsible for removing toxic chemicals from the blood by creating urine. In kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease, the kidneys become so damaged that they are no longer able to filter waste products and toxic chemicals from the blood. When this happens, the dangerous toxins and waste not discharged from the body accumulate and affect nearly every part of the body. The fishy breath odor can occur when kidney failure affects the respiratory system and causes breathing problems.

Digestive Disorders

Both digestive conditions can delay or prevent food from processing efficiently from the stomach. When food doesn’t move through the digestive system, it can start to decay. Small amounts of undigested food may even regurgitate and cause bad breath. Dentists may also detect GERD in patients when they notice an inflamed red throat and acid erosion in the teeth.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/331581/bad-breath-causes/feed/0dentist-examining-x-raysionewgreerA dentist examining dental x-rays while wearing a face protection maskKidney Problems Persist Among Blackshttp://blackdoctor.org/79061/kidney-problems-persist-among-blacks/
http://blackdoctor.org/79061/kidney-problems-persist-among-blacks/#commentsWed, 24 Apr 2013 20:32:09 +0000http://blackdoctor.org/?p=79061]]>Dr. Griffin Rodgers is a familiar, comforting voice to radio listeners. His “Healthy Moments” commentaries are broadcast to audiences across the country and it is his mission to help black Americans understand what stands between them and good health and how to address it.

Rodgers, president of NKDEP, a program of the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recently led an initiative, Kidney Sundays, to help African Americans raise awareness of kidney disease in their local community and its link to other diseases seen disproportionately in the black community.

One out of every six African American adults has some sign of kidney disease and black Americans are more than three times as likely to develop kidney failure as white Americans. And 80 percent of new cases of kidney failure among black patients are directly tied to high blood pressure and diabetes.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/79061/kidney-problems-persist-among-blacks/feed/0kidney-illustrationionewgreerKidney Health Q&A With Dr. Griffin Rodgershttp://blackdoctor.org/32/kidney-health-qa-with-dr-griffin-rodgers/
http://blackdoctor.org/32/kidney-health-qa-with-dr-griffin-rodgers/#commentsTue, 27 Mar 2012 22:23:39 +0000http://ioneblackdoctor.wordpress.com/?p=32]]>(BlackDoctor.org) — What affects kidney health (for the better and for the worst)? How do you know if you have kidney disease? What other illnesses and conditions can increase your risk of kidney damage?

Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, was recently on hand to answer all of your top kidney health questions. Dozens of fans took the time to ask extremely important questions about what they needed to do to stay healthy, and we want to thank everyone involved for this fantastic and insightful opportunity.

Here is a recap of this exciting and thoughtful discussion:

Alex Ferguson: How often do I need to be tested for kidney disease?

If you have diabetes, you should get checked every year. If you have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, talk to your provider about how often you should be tested.

Angela Lester: Does alcohol affect kidney function?

Hi Angela, great question. Alcohol does not directly affect kidney function but excessive alcohol is a health risk.

Katye Brown: I’m on potassium pill cause ny kidney don’t make its own potassium, I also have high blood pressure too.

Some water pills increase potassium loss in the urine. There are some people with low potassium and high blood pressure due to a hormone imbalance. If you have low potassium and high blood pressure and are not on a water pill, you should discuss with your health provider whether you need special testing.

Firstlady Lydia Loolo: How would one know if she has kidney disease?

Most people with kidney disease have no symptoms until their kidney damage is quite advanced. It is important to get screened with blood and urine tests. Kidney disease can get worse over time, and may lead to kidney failure. Ask your provider for two important tests – a blood test and a urine test.

Robert Avery: If my father has high blood pressure and diabetes, can I develop kidney disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure tend to run in families and they are the key risk factors for kidney disease. Talk to your health provider to see if you’re at risk. Early identification of kidney disease is key!

Keeley Williams Garth: Protein in the urine…what why how?

Albumin (a form of protein) in urine may be a sign of kidney damage. A healthy kidney does not let albumin pass into the urine. A damaged kidney lets albumin pass into the urine.

Stephanie Britton: What foods/liquids should I avoid if my family has history of kidney disease? Im getting checked today…

It’s great that you’re getting checked today! Here are a few general tips to keep your kidneys healthy – Cut back on salt. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day. Also, be sure to choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.

Rj Griffin: What labs detect kidney problems?

There are two tests that can diagnose kidney disease: a blood test that checks your GFR, which tells how well your kidneys are filtering, and a urine test that checks for albumin, a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.

Rhonda Perkins: What effect does vitamins and supplements have on the kidneys?

The effect that vitamins and supplements can have really varies depending what you’re taking.

Stephanie Tillman Lee: What can you do to offset the high blood pressure medications from affecting your liver enzymes?

Most blood pressure medications do not affect your liver. If your liver enzymes are abnormal, talk with your health provider.

Allison Michelle Whitaker: what can i do to lose these extra 40, I’m HBP, RA, ASMA, I CAN’T EXERCISE MY LEGS.

I recommend that you speak with a dietitian to create an eating plan that’s right for your needs. Also, you may want to try a physical activity that works for you, such as swimming.

Stafford Johnson: I want to know if HBP ever,ever goes away and if so,what do we do to keep it at bay. I workout and do all kinds of healthy stuff,but it seems to haunt me still.I am 6’6″,268 punds and play Pro Indoor Football.I feel fine,but when I do my checkups every now and then, the Doc always tells me to work on changing my diet??

The collaboration will involve more than 50 African-American faith organizations around the country observing Kidney Sundays on the fourth Sunday, March 25.

“As African Americans, we make up about 13 percent of the population, but when it comes to kidney failure, we account for 28 percent of new cases. This statistic is a concern,” said Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., M.A.C.P., director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “We can work together to lower the rate of kidney disease. Since many of us turn to places of worship to discuss health issues, I challenge every African-American faith organization to talk about kidney health this month.”

Recognizing National Kidney Month, the faith leaders have agreed to talk on March 25 with their congregations about the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease and the importance of testing. The faith organizations will hold Kidney Sundays information sessions, distribute materials, and conduct blood pressure screenings.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/898/nkdep-the-american-diabetes-association-announce-kidney-sundays/feed/0two-couples-going-to-churchionemcurleytwo-couples-going-to-churchYour World Kidney Day 2012 Q&A Questions…Answered!http://blackdoctor.org/4182/your-world-kidney-day-2012-q-a-questions-answered/
http://blackdoctor.org/4182/your-world-kidney-day-2012-q-a-questions-answered/#commentsMon, 12 Mar 2012 23:47:26 +0000http://blackdoctor.oomphdev.com?page_id=4182]]>(BlackDoctor.org) — The World Kidney Day 2012 Q&A was a HUGE success…thanks to you!

Did you know that African Americans account for 30% of all people in the United States with kidney failure? While this number is troubling, your dedication to asking the right questions, and spreading the right knowledge to your family and friends, is crucial to turning that 30% to 0%.

Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, would like to thank everyone at BDO for taking the time to take part in this engaging conversation about how to keep your kidneys, and your entire body, healthy.

Without further ado, here are Dr. Rodgers’ responses to all of your World Kidney Day Q&A questions:

Alex Ferguson: How often do I need to be tested for kidney disease?

If you have diabetes, you should get checked every year. If you have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, talk to your provider about how often you should be tested.Angela Lester: Does alcohol affect kidney function?

Hi Angela, great question. Alcohol does not directly affect kidney function but excessive alcohol is a health risk.

Katye Brown: I’m on potassium pill cause my kidney don’t make its own potassium, I also have high blood pressure too.

Some water pills increase potassium loss in the urine. There are some people with low potassium and high blood pressure due to a hormone imbalance. If you have low potassium and high blood pressure and are not on a water pill, you should discuss with your health provider whether you need special testing.

Lydia L.: How would one know if she has kidney disease?

Most people with kidney disease have no symptoms until their kidney damage is quite advanced. It is important to get screened with blood and urine tests. Kidney disease can get worse over time, and may lead to kidney failure. Ask your provider for two important tests – a blood test and a urine test.

Robert Avery: If my father has high blood pressure and diabetes, can I develop kidney disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure tend to run in families and they are the key risk factors for kidney disease. Talk to your health provider to see if you’re at risk. Early identification of kidney disease is key!

Keeley Williams Garth: Protein in the urine…..what, why, how?

Albumin (a form of protein) in urine may be a sign of kidney damage. A healthy kidney does not let albumin pass into the urine. A damaged kidney lets albumin pass into the urine.

Stephanie Britton: What foods/liquids should I avoid if my family has history of kidney disease? I’m getting checked today.

It’s great that you’re getting checked today! Here are a few general tips to keep your kidneys healthy – Cut back on salt. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day. Also, be sure to choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.

RJ Griffin: What labs detect kidney problems?

There are two tests that can diagnose kidney disease: a blood test that checks your GFR, which tells how well your kidneys are filtering, and a urine test that checks for albumin, a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.
Rhonda Perkins: What effect does vitamins and supplements have on the kidneys?

The effect that vitamins and supplements can have really varies depending what you’re taking.
Stephanie Tillman Lee: What can you do to offset the high blood pressure medications from affecting your liver enzymes?

Most blood pressure medications do not affect your liver. If your liver enzymes are abnormal, talk with your health provider.

Allison Michelle Whitaker: What can I do to lose these extra 40 pounds? I have high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, and I can’t exercise my legs.

I recommend that you speak with a dietitian to create an eating plan that’s right for your needs. Also, you may want to try a physical activity that works for you, such as swimming.

Stafford Johnson: I want to know if HBP ever,ever goes away and if so,what do we do to keep it at bay? I workout and do all kinds of healthy stuff, but it seems to haunt me still. I am 6’6″, 268 pounds and play pro indoor football. I feel fine, but when I do my checkups every now and then, the doc always tells me to work on changing my diet??

These faith members, and others like them, keep Dr. Marshall very involved at Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. For Dr. Marshall, chair of the Norfolk State University Department of Nursing and Allied Health, her professional work extends beyond the historically black college’s campus and into the sanctuary in her role as health minister.

A 41-year career nurse, Dr. Marshall has witnessed the effects of high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease on the members of Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, a primarily African-American congregation. For Dr. Marshall, helping members make the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease is deeply personal.

“As a registered nurse and the president of the health ministry, I am fully dedicated to meeting the health needs of the members of the congregation and community,” Dr. Marshall said.

That commitment also is extended to her family, as Dr. Marshall’s brother-in-law has lived with kidney disease for nearly 20 years.

“I consider this my mission field, and I firmly believe that families as well as faith organizations can play a significant role in talking about kidney disease and its risk factors,” she said.

Increasingly, kidney health has become a leading priority for faith communities as members seek support to manage diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases are a growing concern for African-American faith leaders working to provide health information and resources to their members. Some members with health backgrounds, especially nurses, like Dr. Marshall, are taking a lead role to stem the tide of kidney-related diseases with on-site health services.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/2900/health-ministers-the-prescription-for-black-health-disparities/feed/0nurse-giving-a-woman-a-checkup.jpgionewgreernurse-giving-a-woman-a-checkup.jpgKidney Sundays: Why More Churches Are Promoting Kidney Healthhttp://blackdoctor.org/2375/kidney-sundays-why-more-churches-are-promoting-kidney-health/
http://blackdoctor.org/2375/kidney-sundays-why-more-churches-are-promoting-kidney-health/#commentsThu, 08 Mar 2012 01:28:29 +0000http://blackdoctor.oomphdev.com?page_id=2375]]>(BlackDoctor.org) — For the more than 80,000 Americans currently on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant, the need for immediate action is real. For the Rev. Dr. Robert Mason, the need is urgent.

“It started in my late 50s when I learned that I had high blood pressure,” said the Rev. Dr. Mason, senior pastor at Greater Middle Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn., of his health journey. “Years later, I was diagnosed with kidney disease after going to the hospital for congestive heart failure. I realized that my kidney health issues were a result of not managing my high blood pressure.”

High blood pressure and diabetes are the two leading risk factors for kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure affects African Americans at a much higher rate than other populations, and African Americans currently represent 35 percent of the 80,000 people on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Rev. Mason was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2000, and he has been on dialysis for five years. In recent months, he has faced health challenges with dialysis.

“In my case, I had certain indications that something was wrong, but found out later on that it was a matter of taking my health seriously and that I needed to take better care of myself,” Rev. Mason said. “The fact that I’m in need of a transplant has allowed me to become part of the solution in reaching others.”

The National Kidney Disease Education Program, a program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), encourages people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney failure to get checked for kidney disease. Rev. Mason knows just how important this is.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/2375/kidney-sundays-why-more-churches-are-promoting-kidney-health/feed/0reverend-in-church-holding-bibleionemcurleyreverend-in-church-holding-bibleKidney Stones: Who’s Most At Risk?http://blackdoctor.org/3748/kidney-stones-who-s-most-at-risk/
http://blackdoctor.org/3748/kidney-stones-who-s-most-at-risk/#commentsMon, 23 Jan 2012 10:52:35 +0000http://blackdoctor.oomphdev.com?page_id=3748]]>(BlackDoctor.org) — Passing a kidney stone is a painful experience that few people would ever forget, and although they are more common in men, it is important for everyone to be aware of what kidney stones are, how to prevent them, the signs of symptoms, and the treatment for this condition.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones (also known as “renal calculi”), are crystalline “stones” formed by dietary minerals in the urine. If they occur inside the kidney, the condition is known as “nephrolithiasis”. If they occur in the ureter (the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder), the condition is known as “ureterolithiasis”. And if they occur in the bladder, it is known as “cystolithiasis”.

Most stones are made up of calcium, potassium, and several other minerals and electrolytes, but calcium appears to be the most common kidney stone constituent, however other types of stones are also relatively common.

What Causes Kidney Stones to Form?

Kidney stones form due to several factors. One major factor is low fluid intake, leading to very concentrated urine and decreased ability for the body to rid itself of these minerals through more dilute urine.

High dietary intake of animal protein, sodium, refined sugars, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, cola, grapefruit juice, apple juice, and oxalates (found in spinach, nuts, chocolate, cocoa, strawberries, rhubarb, beats and other foods) can all lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Supplementation with calcium has also been linked to the formation of stones, so taking calcium under the advice of a medical practitioner or nutritionist is recommended. However, calcium consumed from calcium-rich food sources does not seem to contribute to the formation of stones.

There is some indication that fluoride in drinking water may also be a factor, but this seems inconclusive at this time.

Diets high in animal protein can contribute to the formation of kidney stones due to the excess of certain amino acids, uric acid and other properties of animal protein that acidify the urine. With increased urine acidity, the body will remove calcium from the bone tissue to fight this rising acidity, and kidney stone formation can result.

Dehydration is a common cause of kidney stone formation. Visitors to very dry climates such as the desert, for instance, must be cautious about increasing their intake of water and clear fluids in order to prevent the development of kidney stones.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Approximately 80% of the individuals experiencing a kidney stone are men, and it is very common between the ages of 30 and 40. Genetics is also a factor, as well as the dietary practices mentioned above. Ten percent of all men are likely to experience this condition in their lifetime, although Caucasian men are five times more likely to develop kidney stones than African American men.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/3748/kidney-stones-who-s-most-at-risk/feed/0kidney-stone-diagramionewgreerkidney-stone-diagramNick Cannon Released From Hospital, Planning His Return To Workhttp://blackdoctor.org/305/nick-cannon-released-from-hospital-planning-his-return-to-work/
http://blackdoctor.org/305/nick-cannon-released-from-hospital-planning-his-return-to-work/#commentsTue, 10 Jan 2012 23:05:43 +0000http://blackdoctor.oomphdev.com?page_id=305]]>(BlackDoctor.org) — Nick Cannon is out of the hospital after battling what wife Mariah Carey called “mild kidney failure.”

After undergoing successful treatment, the America’s Got Talent host was released from Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center over the weekend and is already plotting his return to the airwaves.

The entertainer was hospitalized in Aspen, Colo., last week after he fell ill while the couple was on vacation there. He was transferred to a Los Angeles hospital a few days later.

In a statement Monday, Cannon’s publicist Tracy Nguyen said he “was released over the weekend to be with his family. He is resting and recovering at home and would like to thank everyone who has expressed concern, well wishes and prayers. He plans to return to his live morning radio show broadcast Rollin’ with Nick Cannon on 92.3 NOW FM on January 17th, 6-10am EST.”

Cannon was first hospitalized with “mild kidney failure” early last week while he and Carey were vacationing in Aspen. He was transferred to Cedars, where he received a haircut and underwent surgery.

“Recovering… about to be stronger than ever! #Ncredible!” Nick Cannon tweeted Friday.

]]>http://blackdoctor.org/305/nick-cannon-released-from-hospital-planning-his-return-to-work/feed/0nick-cannon-horiz-pinstripe-suitionemcurleyNick Cannon Suffers Kidney Failurehttp://blackdoctor.org/73/nick-cannon-suffers-kidney-failure/
http://blackdoctor.org/73/nick-cannon-suffers-kidney-failure/#commentsThu, 05 Jan 2012 03:21:57 +0000http://blackdoctor.oomphdev.com?page_id=73]]>(BlackDoctor.org) — Nick Cannon has been hospitalized in Aspen, CO for mild kidney failure during a recent trip. Wife Mariah Carey said, “This is a role-reversal. Last year it was me attached to the machines (after having dembabies) and Nick was there with me through it, and now here we are.”

She asked fans to “please pray for Nick…because it’s a serious moment that’s very tough on all of us,” but did not explain the background of his condition, or how long he will be hospitalized.

Blacks & Kidney Disease: The Outlook Today…

• Approximately 20 million Americans have kidney disease. The number of
people diagnosed with kidney disease has doubled each decade for the
last two decades. African Americans make up 12 percent of the
population, but account for 30 percent of people with kidney failure.

• African American males ages 22 – 44 are 20 times more likely to
develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian males
in the same age group.